Dealing With Grief

Dealing with grief is one of the hardest things people may face
in this lifetime. At one time or another, we will all face this
difficult emotion. Whether grief is due to the loss of a marriage,
loss of a loved one, a good friendship, or something else that is
near and dear to you, the main cause for grief is loss.

Grief is a difficult emotion to overcome. As much as you
feel you may never overcome it, you will feel better with
time. It is true, "this too shall pass". As much as
you feel these words are not true for you, please be
encouraged! As I write this, you must know that there is
hope and healing for all those that are grieving.

When dealing with grief there are common symptoms that
effect the mind and body. Many of them are similar to the
symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.

Grief and loss can be the main trigger for your anxiety,
panic, phobias and even deep depression.

Normal Stages of Grief

1. Denial -keeps you from accepting loss as a reality. The
mind has a hard time accepting the idea of losing something valuable to you.
Many people run from reality and they do it through denial.

2. Anger - is what happens when the reality of loss
surfaces. It is important to deal with your anger properly. Anger can not only
hurt you, but others around you. There are effective ways for controlling anger
that are effective and healing.

3. Depression - a normal part of grieving and bereavement.
The time it takes to overcome this emotion depends on the individual. However,
if you are severely depressed to the point of not being able to function in your
daily life, it is extremely important to talk to your doctor. It is possible
that your brain chemicals have become dangerously low. Depression is not a sign
of weakness, so do not be ashamed about how you are feeling.

Tips for Coping with Grief

1. Practice Acceptance! Acceptance is 100% necessary for
healing. To accept loss is difficult but until you do, you are prolonging the
healing process. You can learn acceptance by admitting to yourself and others of
your loss.

2. Give yourself permission to feel whatever it is you need to feel.
Whether these are feelings of anger or emotional pain, give yourself permission
to grieve. Many people falsely think that they need to hold it together.
They deny themselves normal emotions that come with the natural process of
grieving. By doing this, they end up carrying unresolved emotions throughout
their life. These unresolved emotions can resurface at different times but they
are never fully resolved. Instead, the one suffering carries their anger and
pain with them and it effects how they live their life and how they even relate
to other people. You owe it to yourself and the ones you love to deal with your
painful emotions. You cannot heal from grief until you do so. Many people are
afraid they won't be able to handle the feelings that may come. They are afraid
of feeling this pain. They believe the idea that somehow they will lose control
and they even worry that they may never recover if they should let go.

3. Talk to others that are also grieving.
Getting involved in a support group for people who are
suffering grief and bereavement will help you see that you
are not alone in your suffering. This will also give you the
opportunity to reach out and encourage others and also be
encouraged yourself. You can usually find a group through
your local hospital.

Recovery Inc.
is a non-profit recovery program that teaches
cognitive-behavioral therapy for those having a hard time
dealing with the difficult emotions that life can bring.
They can help you deal with many of the emotional issues
that result from loss, such as depression, anger, and
anxiety.

4. Try journaling or blogging! Writing
your thoughts down on paper or through your own online blog
is an effective way to deal with the thoughts that are all
mixed up in your head. By journaling and blogging, you are
clearing your mind of clutter and you will find eventually
that your thoughts will become more organized. It will help
you deal with your negative thoughts more effectively.
Blogging is also effective in helping others see they are
not alone. No matter how much you are suffering, you have
the power to help others!

5. Don't be afraid to seek help! Some
people have a very hard time dealing with the emotions
associated with grief. Although
depression medication is not necessary to find healing,
some use medication to help them find temporary relief while
they are working their way towards recovery and healing.

**It is important to note that you should never be on
medication without being in some form of therapy. Medication
is not the answer to your problems. Medication is an aid
that is available to help you reach recovery should you want
it. It is designed to work in conjunction with therapy. If
you do not deal with your emotions, they will always
resurface in life. The last thing you want is to be on
medication for the rest of your life and struggling with
emotional pain. If you want to use medication, find an
experienced therapist that can help you.

For those that don't want to use medication but would
like to use a more
natural approach, there are
natural supplements that can help as well. No matter
what you choose to do, always discuss these situations with
your doctor.

6. Give yourself time to adjust to loss.
Be patient with yourself and your situation. Change is never
easy. Let "One Day at a Time" be your new motto.
Allow the attitude of acceptance to take root in your life.

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